Risk Management Plan—Overwhelming or Extreme Heat
From May 15 to September 30 each year, the Montréal West Island IUHSSC prepares for periods of overwhelming or extreme heat (OEH) to lessen the impact on vulnerable individuals.
To this end, an OEH risk management plan is prepared and revised annually. Alert levels have been defined so that measures and activities can be coordinated according to the weather forecasts.
Overwhelming Heat vs. Extreme Heat
- Overwhelming Heat: The air temperature is 30 °C or warmer and the humidex value exceeds 40.
- Extreme Heat:
Two meteorological factors define extreme heat:- The weighted average maximum air temperature reaches or exceeds 33 ° C and the weighted average minimum overnight air temperature exceeds 20 ° C for 3 days.
- The minimum air temperature exceeds 25° C for 2 consecutive nights.
Changes in the alert level defined in the plan are determined by Montréal’s Direction régionale de santé publique (DSRP). When temperature criteria or public health surveillance indicators are attained, the DRSP will inform the Coordination régionale des mesures d’urgence, de la sécurité civile et de la liaison avec les salles d’urgence–CRMUSCSU (Regional Coordination on emergency measures, social security, and liaison with emergency rooms). They will then relay the information to the Emergency Measures and Civil Security Coordinators of the IUHSSCs and unmerged facilities.
Public health surveillance includes monitoring for increases in deaths, increases in ambulance transports, the number of calls to Urgences-Santé and Info-Santé, reports of heat stroke from emergency room doctors, psychiatrists, pharmacists, Urgences-Santé physicians, and physicians with Montréal’s civil protection team.
Alert levels
Alert
A period when the forecast indicates that:
- The weighted average maximum air temperature will reach or exceed 33 ° Candthe weighted average minimum air temperature exceeds 20 ° C for 3 days
or - The minimum air temperature is 25 ° C or higher for two (2) consecutive nights.
Demobilization
When meteorological conditions return to normal and public health indicators have returned to the expected values.
It is important to remember that the effects of heat are cumulative. Despite lower temperatures, the heat from the preceding days can still have consequences for vulnerable individuals.
Demobilization signals a return to seasonal monitoring.
Intervention
When meteorological factors meet the criteria for extreme heat or when public health indicators significantly exceed expected values
Active Monitoring
A period when the air temperature is 30 °C or warmerand the humidex value reaches or exceeds 40.
Environment Canada issues alert bulletins when active monitoring levels are attained. Overwhelming heat is the first step toward subsequent alert levels.
Seasonal Monitoring
The time of year when periods of high heat can occur; generally from May 15 to September 30.
Documents: Risk management plan and OEH Data sheets (in French only)
A copy of the risk management plan as well as individual data sheets summarizing the actions to take at each alert level are available below. The data sheets provide the same information as the OEH risk management plan, and are intended are quick reference tools.
Preventative measures
Our clientele
Click here to find out what preventive measures to take in times of extreme heat.
Staff
The Prevention and Health Promotion Department wishes to inform you that certain preventive measures need to be put in place during periods of overwhelming heat for certain staff working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mitigating the effects of heat and humidity
- If possible, install fans in safe locations to avoid accidents and to prevent the fan from blowing directly on people during Covid-19;
- Close blinds and curtains if possible;
- Increase the duration of breaks if needed, in a cool or air-conditioned area;
- Recommend wearing a cool, damp towel around the neck (or cool off with a spray bottle, which must be stored away when not in use).
- Eat frozen treats, if possible. (Popsicles, Mr. Freeze, etc.);
- If necessary, use a fan. Make sure that the airflow is directed toward the windows of the room or of the unit; do not allow the fan to oscillate.
Hydrate more
- Frequently drink small quantities of cool, water without ice;
- Avoid drinks high in caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks) or high in sugar, as they will dehydrate your body.
Reorganize work teams
- Encourage task rotation;
- Plan heavy work activities during cooler hours and use mechanical assistance;
- Encourage teamwork.
Look for signs of heat stroke
- Symptoms of heat stroke are: headache, dizziness, vertigo, unusual fatigue, incoherent speech, loss of balance, loss of consciousness;
- At the first sign of heat stroke, stop work immediately and alert the first aid;
- Take extra care if you are taking medication, have health problems, or have been sick recently (diarrhea, fever, vomiting);
- Report any abnormal behaviour by a colleague to the supervisor.
First Aid
- If first aid is required, initiate a code blue or the procedure in place on site, if applicable. If needed, call 911.
- Provide as much fresh air as possible.
- Always make sure to provide fresh water in small amounts if the person is conscious and lucid.